| The Russians
are also offering the Buk-M2E,
enhanced export versions of the medium-range SA-17, including
a new launcher-loader vehicle carrying eight missiles (four
ready to fire missiles plus four loaded in storage, on rails
ready for 'hot swap').  These
elements virtually double the system's sustained firing rate,
solving a weakness of the obsolete Pechora
(SA-3, NATO code name: GOA) and Kub (SA-6 NATO code name:
Gainful) that the BUK suffered due to the relatively low reload
rate, requiring significant vehicle maneuvering and manual process,
which made these systems vulnerable to hostile attack.
Thales displayed the Crotale Mk3 system, a point defense air-defense
system proposed for life extension of existing some 300 Crotale
systems currently operational worldwide. (Crotales are operating
in France, Greece, Finland, Oman and South Korea.) Crotale was
developed as an autonomous system, and the new Mk3 is adding
platform flexibility, as well as full integration and coordination
into network-centric and lower tier systems, such as MANPADS
and VSHORAD systems. The system introduces new interceptors
(a combination of VT-1 hyper velocity missiles, reaching up
to 15km. Crotale Mk3 system employs the new Shirka 3D multibeam
surveillance radar derived from the Thales Netherlands SMART-S
Mk2 search radar, and engagement control system which also integrates
a thermal imager, enabling passive target acquisition. The new
operator console displays the target on screen for visual identification
before firing and continues to track it through the engagement
to confirm the target kill.
 Thales
also introduced the Alerter HA-100 'passive radar' sensor, using
illuminators of opportunity (FM transmitters) the HA-100 has
been developed for homeland security and force protection applications.
Operating in totally discrete mode, the radar is capable of
detecting targets at low speed and very low altitude, including
stealthy flying targets at a range of 100 km. According to Thales,
the radar has already been sold to several NATO countries. IAI/Elta
also displayed a model of its passive radar system, designated
EL/L-8388. This system operates as a 3D ESM/ELINT surveillance
system, supporting strategic intelligence collection and air
defense applications. The system creates a unique three dimensional
situation picture by providing location and dynamic tracking
of airborne, shipborne and mobile/fixed ground-based emitters.
The system generates an Air Situation Picture (ASP) operating
as passive radar, complementing the traditional ASP generated
by active radar systems. The passive ASP also offers improved
identification and better ranging capability, with its improved
penetration of low altitude clutter. As a passive system, it
is also less vulnerable to anti-radiation attacks.
 Raytheon
introduced enhancements for its Surface
Launched, Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile system (SL-AMRAAM)
system, demonstrating the HMMWV mounted launch system fitted
with six missiles – four AMRAAMs active, radar guided
missiles and two AIM-9X heat seeking missiles. Raytheon is also
offering a new version, armed with the SL-AMRAAM-ER (extended
range) missiles. SL-AMRAAM is deployed in the U.S. today as
a component in the United States Capital Region homeland defense
architecture. It is also proposed as the main component in an
air defense system that will be able to counter cruise missile
threats.
 Elta's
EL/M-2084 Multi-Mission Radar (MMR) is an advanced phased array
radar capable in performing artillery and air defense missions.
It detects a wide range of flying objects with low radar cross
section (RCS), including artillery shells and rockets, even
in the presence of ground clutter and electromagnetic interference.
For ballistic targets the radar can spot and track hundreds
of targets simultaneously, and pinpoint artillery fire sources
at a range of 100 km. The system will also calculate the anticipated
impact points for each target, alerting the locations that might
be affected by the threat. The MMR is being integrated with
the RAFAEL Iron Cap rocket intercepting system developed under
an Israel MOD contract. When employed in support of air defense
missions, the MMR detects and tracks all types of airborne targets,
including aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and UAVs. The
radar is capable of detecting aircraft and missile targets at
ranges up to 350km, depending on altitude.
MMR will be the principal sensor for the Spyder MR medium range
surface to air missile system, developed by RAFAEL. It is also
expected to support the ground-based variant of IAI's Barak
8 naval and land air defense systems.
Another new radar on display was the deployable version of the
RAT31 from Selex, Sistemi. The RAT31 DL/M (Deployable Air Defense)
radar is transported by two vehicles, one carrying the radar
and the other carrying the shelter. Employing a solid-state
phased-array, this 3D surveillance radar covers an effective
range (line of sight) of over 500 km and operates in the L band.
The system can be installed for operation within 15 minutes,
even on unprepared sites. The remotely controlled system is
equipped with all support elements to guarantee self sufficiency
for long operating periods. The DL/M radar was recently sold
to the German Air Force. RAT31 radars are operational with eight
armies, six of them of NATO countries.
Among the asymmetric threats, Improvised
Explosive Devices (IED) and rockets and mortars (RAM) are posing
the most significant threats, particularly to forces engaged
in the asymmetric conflict known as 'global war on terror' (GWOT).
Addressing the growing interest in RAM Countermeasures (RAM-C),
Raytheon presented one of the systems currently under development
at the Paris Air Show. Known as the Laser Area Defense System
(LADS), the system utilizes the land based radar-directed Phalanx
gun system called 'Centurion' developed by Raytheon. The US
Army plans to field up to 50 such systems, Raytheon is proposing
a laser-based version of the system. The LADS' effector uses
a beam director coupled instead of the gun. The effector is
coupled to the laser source via fiber-laser. The system is powered
by a diesel generator. During the system demonstration phase
conducted in 2006, LADS destroyed static 60mm mortar bombs at
a range of more than 500 meters. LADS can augment existing Centurion
systems, extending their reach and response rate with 'speed
of light' C-RAM capability. Initial systems could be ready for
production next year.
Another laser-based system using high-power laser to defeat
rockets and bombs is the Skyguard,
developed by Northrop Grumman produces demonstrated its ability
to cope with artillery, mortar and rockets. It can defeat the
most sophisticated missiles, including multi-color advanced
seekers, laser beam riders and CLOS guided, destroying any threat
within seconds. A single fire unit will be able to will be integrated
into existing air defense systems and protect an area in a 15
km radius around an asset, with a capability of defeating MANPADS
or UAVs up to their typical altitude limits. Skyguard has a
target acquisition, tracking and high power laser. It is based
on mature chemical laser technology, and has a dynamic engagement
zones and safe areas, and proven system of friendly fire avoidance.
According to Northrop Grumman, a Skyguard system could be deployed
within 24 months.
Topics covered in this review:
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